Pure Imagination: The Making of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Wonka Bars...Oompa-Loompas...The Candy Man...The Gobstopper Machine...A Chocolate River...The Fizzy Lifting Room...Lickable Wallpaper... Revisit the magical world of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" in this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most popular films of all time!

Ever since Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory was released over thirty years ago, millions of viewers have fallen in love with this unforgettable movie based on the classic novel by Roald Dahl. Now from the film's director Mel Stuart, comes Pure Imagination, the first book ever written on the blockbuster picture that won over kids and adults alike, making it the legacy that it is today.

From how Willy Wonka went from the page to the screen--Stuart's twelve-year-old daughter asked him to make a movie of her favorite book--to each step that was involved, beginning with the pre-production stage, the development of the set design to shooting and editing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, here is a full, insider account of all you've ever wanted to know about the film. Filled with over one hundred lavish photographs of the production, most of which have never been seen, Pure Imagination is the ultimate companion piece for lovers of the film.

Stuart's engaging, light-hearted manner comes alive on every page as he shares colorful anecdotes, interviews, and fascinating trivia, such as the untold story of why the Oompa-Loompas have orange faces and green hair, and little-known facts, including how Gene Wilder was chosen to play the part of Willy Wonka. He describes how the film became a huge hit, and why it still captures the imaginations of audiences today.

A dazzling, visual retrospective celebrating the magic of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Pure Imagination is sure to be a collector's item and will make the perfect gift for anyone-whether they are fans of this timeless film, or have just discovered it for the first time.

Mel Stuart has worked in film and television for over 40 years. He has produced and directed various features including Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, dozens of documentaries including The Making of the President, The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, Four Days in November, Wattstax, Man Ray-Prophet of the Avant-Garde, and the reality series Ripley's Believe It or Not. Mr. Stuart has been the recipient of four Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and an Oscar nomination. He lives in Los Angeles, California.

Josh Young is a contributing writer for Entertainment Weekly and the co-author of You're Only As Good As Your Next One with film executive Mike Medavoy. He lives in Washington, D.C.